Alaska Airlines plans to introduce lie-flat suites on selected Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft for the first time, alongside redesigned Boeing 787 cabins and a new premium economy product. Sister carrier Hawaiian Airlines will also overhaul its Airbus A330 fleet.
The upgrades announced on 29 September will begin entering service in 2028. They include two distinct premium products: Aurora Suites for Alaska Airlines and Leihōkū Suites for Hawaiian Airlines.
The investment will increase the proportion of premium seating across both airlines’ long-haul fleets while introducing new cabin technology, dining options and airport lounges.
Alaska Airlines brings lie-flat suites to the 737 MAX 10
Alaska plans to install 12 Aurora Suites on at least 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, primarily for selected transcontinental services.
It will be the first time Alaska has offered lie-flat seating on its Boeing 737 fleet.
The new suites will feature direct aisle access, lie-flat beds, 19-inch 4K entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, USB-C ports and AC power.
Unlike the widebody version, the 737 MAX 10 suites will not have privacy doors.
The aircraft will carry Alaska’s Aurora livery, inspired by the northern lights and already introduced on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The airline has not confirmed all the routes that will receive the new cabins.
Inside Alaska’s new Boeing 787 Aurora Suites
Alaska will introduce 34 Aurora Suites on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft and 40 on future Boeing 787-10s.
The widebody suites will offer fully flat beds, privacy doors, direct aisle access and additional personal storage. Passengers will also receive upgraded bedding, dining and onboard amenities.
The seats will feature 19-inch 4K entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity and several charging options.
The airline expects premium seating to account for approximately 46% of its redesigned 787-9 cabin, compared with 38% today.
Aurora passengers departing Seattle will also have access to dedicated check-in services and a new premium lounge.
Hawaiian Airlines to redesign its Airbus A330 cabins
Hawaiian Airlines will refurbish all 24 of its Airbus A330 aircraft, introducing redesigned interiors throughout the cabin.
Each aircraft will receive 22 enhanced Leihōkū Suites with lie-flat beds, privacy doors and direct aisle access.
The suites will include 19-inch 4K entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless, USB-C and AC charging.
The new interiors will also feature upgraded entertainment systems throughout the aircraft, including 4K screens and Bluetooth connectivity.
Hawaiian expects premium seating to increase from approximately 30% to 40% of its A330 cabin.
The airline will retain a distinct Hawaiian identity, with Island-inspired dining, cabin finishes and service.
What is Alaska and Hawaiian’s new Premium Reserve cabin?
Both airlines will introduce Premium Reserve, a dedicated premium economy product positioned between their lie-flat suites and conventional economy seating.
Premium Reserve will feature 38 inches of seat pitch, wider seats, enhanced recline and leg and calf rests.
Passengers will also have 16-inch 4K OLED entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity, larger tray tables and upgraded dining.
The planned seating configurations are:
| Aircraft | Premium Reserve seats |
|---|---|
| Alaska Boeing 787-9 | 35 |
| Alaska Boeing 787-10 | 35 |
| Selected Alaska 737 MAX 10 | 12 |
| Hawaiian Airbus A330 | 28 |
The new cabin will begin entering service in 2028, with seats expected to become available for purchase in summer 2027.
Premium Reserve will sit above the airlines’ existing Premium Class extra-legroom seating, giving passengers a choice between standard economy, additional legroom, premium economy and lie-flat accommodation.
New airport lounges and premium services
The cabin upgrades are part of a broader investment in premium travel.
Alaska plans to introduce dedicated Aurora check-in and concierge services at Seattle, along with a new Aurora Lounge.
Hawaiian will expand its premium ground experience in Honolulu and Seattle. The programme also includes a new 13,000-square-foot lounge in Honolulu.
The airlines are developing distinct dining programmes reflecting their respective identities. Alaska has partnered with Seattle chefs Renee Erickson and Brady Ishiwata Williams, while Hawaiian will continue to feature Island-inspired menus.
Eligible passengers will also benefit from Starlink connectivity, with complimentary access for Atmos Rewards members through the airlines’ partnership with T-Mobile.
When will the new Alaska and Hawaiian cabins enter service?
The airlines expect the first redesigned cabins to enter service in 2028, with Premium Reserve seats available to book from summer 2027.
The programme covers Alaska’s existing and future Dreamliners, selected 737 MAX 10 aircraft and Hawaiian’s A330 fleet. As the Boeing 737 MAX 10 is still pending certification, this timeline is subject to change.
Passengers should check the aircraft and seating configuration when booking, as the new cabins will be introduced progressively rather than across the entire fleet at once.
The upgrades will give Alaska a new premium product for long-haul international and transcontinental flying, while bringing Hawaiian’s older A330 cabins closer to the standard of its newer Boeing 787 aircraft.
